ANNUAL REVIEW
Colour Maze, photo by Neil Bennett
MESSAGE DIRECTOR’S
As the lights lower on January, I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every single artist, from here and afar, who gathered and shared bold conversations this summer.
Our 49th edition took place in theatres, parks, galleries, a courthouse, hidden gardens, a town hall and by the shoreline.
Right across the Sydney Basin we continued the ancient tradition of storytelling in a myriad of ways. There was hope, unity, love and resistance — we danced, laughed, gasped, cried and felt every emotion in between.
The program explored “birth, destiny and what we leave behind” and honoured Country, people and spirit. Tongan-born visual artist Telly Tuita juxtaposed Sydney’s hedonism with our place in Oceania, while this year’s Blak Out lineup spoke powerfully to First Nations truths.
The Thirsty Mile, Sydney Festival's dedicated hub at Walsh Bay, returned once more — providing a mischievious nod to Hickson Road's maritime history and what we're thirsty to see change.
Across 23 days we welcomed 1,008 artists, 136 events, 26 world premieres, 28 Australian exclusives, 48 venues and 55 free events, including more than 12 nights of free live music.
None of this would be possible without YOU our audience, and it is an honour to walk beside the incredible team of passionate Sydney Festival staff and volunteers.
Photo by Jacquie Manning
Sydney Festival acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Festival takes place.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.
Sincere thanks to our Principal Partners the NSW Government, through Create NSW and Destination NSW, the City of Sydney and the City of Parramatta, and also all of our corporate sponsors. Deep gratitude to our Principal Philanthropic Supporter Peter Freedman AM and all of our private supporters.
To sign off my fourth and final Sydney Festival, I assure you there is nowhere else like Sydney to experience an exhilarating summer of art — on what always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Olivia Ansell Festival Director
Chronicles, photo by Jacquie Manning
2025 PROGRAM
“This is the fourth and final festival line-up programmed by outgoing Festival Director Olivia Ansell, and her farewell gift is a love letter to what makes Sydney unique, along with a good wink to the city’s naughtier histories.”
Alannah Le Cross, Time Out Sydney
136 Events
23 Days
48
Venues
486 Performances
Festival Program Ticketed attendance
109,928
Free events & major exhibitions attendance
255,800
Other supported exhibitions (free & ticketed)
130,798
VISION ARTISTIC
THE THIRSTY MILE
In 2025, Sydney Festival made a roaring return to The Thirsty Mile — the summer centrepiece of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. A mischievous throwback to Sydney’s maritime history, The Thirsty Mile was also an embodiment of the artistic endeavours we're thirsty to see across our city. Arts lovers gathered in world-class theatres, exhibition spaces and the lively Moonshine Bar along the Mile.
The Festival invited Visual Artist in Residence Telly Tuita to reimagine the area’s working wharf history through his bold and brilliant “Tongpop” aesthetic. The Tonganborn, Western Sydney-raised artist — who descends from a long line of navigators — transformed the waterfront with his rebirth of the SS John Oxley, extravagant totems and flags with dancing Tēvolo Divas.
Through the Tā and Vā (Time and Space) of Tongpop, Tuita inspired audiences to reflect on Australia’s place in Oceania and the vibrancy of the region. Elements of his
cultural practice shaped the wider 2025 Festival program — from themes of “birth, destiny and what we leave behind” to the classical music lineup, Resonance
59 events were held across 10 Thirsty Mile venues, including ACO On The Pier; ATYP, The Rebel Theatre; Barangaroo Reserve; Bell Shakespeare, The Neilson Nutshell; forumprojects gallery; Pier 2/3; Roslyn Packer Theatre; Sydney Dance Company, Neilson Studio; Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre and The Studio Theatre at Bangarra.
At Pier 2/3 by day, families explored the kaleidoscopic Colour Maze, created by Amigo & Amigo and inspired by Tuita’s takeover. After dark, Moonshine Bar was a hotspot for drinks, revelry and 12 nights of free live music, with extended trading hours helping to revitalise nightlife in the area.
Photo by Wendell Teodoro
The Thirsty Mile attendance 92,476
Photo by Victor Frankowski
Photo by Wendell Teodoro
The Thirsty Mile, photo by Wendell Teodoro
HONOURING FIRST NATIONS STORYTELLING
Led by Sydney Festival’s Creative Artist in Residence Jacob Nash for a fourth year, the Blak Out program united some of Australia’s most talented First Nations artists across 11 events. Their powerful works honoured Country, celebrated identity and invited us to embrace complex discussions.
At the heart of Blak Out was Vigil: Gunyah, a gathering space at Barangaroo Reserve featuring three weeks of conversations, workshops and sunset performances centred around People, Country and Spirit. On the evening of 25 January, Vigil: Truths delivered a rousing live performance from award-winning hip-hop group 3%, which asked hard-hitting questions to inspire positive change.
Plant a Promise, a heartfelt work in four parts, implored us to take better care of Country, while Canadian First Nations performer Cliff Cardinal presented the subversive and unflinching As You Like It or The Land Acknowledgement.
Vital conversations were sparked Upstairs and Downstairs at Belvoir St Theatre through Jacky and Redfern Renaissance, and Tina — A Tropical Love Story raised the roof with joyous cabaret and drag.
Storytelling was at the forefront of the music lineup, with Kamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son’s Bilambiyal and Murrawarri-Filipino rapper DOBBY’s WARRANGU; River Story bookending the Festival. Moonshine Bar’s First Nations takeover by Akala Newman, Djanaba and Mason Browne capped off closing night.
Audiences explored a diverse array of visual arts, from climbing the colourful shell installation Ngabu at The Thirsty Mile to travelling further afield for bagan bariwariganyan: echoes of country at Bundanon Art Museum.
Tina — A Tropical Love Story, photo by Joseph Mayers
Plant a Promise, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
Radical Son: Bilambiyal, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
Animal, photo by Wendell Teodoro
Antigone in the Amazon, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
INTERNATIONAL WORKS
The Festival is dedicated to bringing boundary-pushing international art to Sydney each season and welcomed performers from South Africa, Brazil and beyond, with 79 international artists within the program.
From South Africa and Denmark (via the Wild West), the exhilarating Dark Noon flipped the script on 200+ years of US history with an extraordinary cast, inventive staging and insatiable energy at Sydney Town Hall. Brazil and Belgium’s Antigone in the Amazon brought together Indigenous people, activists from Brazil’s Landless Workers Movement, and actors from Europe to radically restage the Greek tragedy. From Canada, the provocative As You Like It or The Land Acknowledgement critiqued the state of the reconciliation process between Indigenous communities and colonial settlers.
Also from Canada, the acclaimed intergenerational Québécois troupe Cirque Alfonse served jaw-dropping acrobatics, music and surreal humour in Animal, while Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright played hits spanning his threedecade career at the Sydney Opera House.
Other international highlights included US-born, UK-based Jalen Ngonda and his scorching vocals, the uplifting club night Detroit's Music Institute: Chez Damier & Alton Miller, and the hilarious toddler musical BullyBully from the Netherlands.
Dark Noon, photo by Victor Frankowski
William Yang: Milestone, photo by Victor Frankowski
NEW AUSTRALIAN WORKS
Sharing homegrown stories is a driving force of Sydney Festival. The 2025 program proudly showcased 103 Australian works, which celebrated our city’s colourful identity, forged new visions for the future and promoted exceptional local talent.
The Festival commissioned the world premiere of Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, from composer, co-librettist and conductor Luke Di Somma and director and co-librettist Constantine Costi. With powerhouse vocals, live magic, puppetry and playful humour, it boldly reimagined the potential of opera to reach wider audiences. A Model Murder, another tantalising world premiere, unlocked Darlinghurst Courthouse for theatregoers for the first time with the true crime story of Shirley Beiger, directed by Sheridan Harbridge.
With his signature wit and warmth, legendary photographer William Yang reflected on
80 incredible years in William Yang: Milestone, set against Elena Kats-Chernin’s haunting live score.
In the dance realm, Stephanie Lake’s The Chronicles charted the cycles of life, while Sue Healey and Laurence Pike traversed the timeless Greek myth of Eurydice in AFTERWORLD
The world premieres continued with KATMA, a lively street and club culture experience directed by Azzam Mohamed, and Plant a Promise, a moving work conceived by Kuku Yalanji choreographer and playwright Henrietta Baird.
A range of female voices were showcased, including Rachael Beck: In Her Own Words, Katie Noonan: Jeff Buckley's Grace and Lotte BettsDean’s tapestry of centuries of songs.
Model Murder, photo by Neil Bennett
"A daring, crazy, bold idea executed beautifully. The loftiest high art meets the glitziest, rhinestone-covered showbiz... it just knocked me out."
Teller (Penn & Teller)
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, photo by Neil Bennett
Ishmael Ensemble, photo by Victor Frankowski
Jalen Ngonda, photo by Neil Bennett
CELEBRATING MUSIC
The 2025 program was bursting with live music — from ethereal art-pop to tumultuous rock, form-bending jazz to soullifting house. At the Sydney Opera House, music luminary Rufus Wainwright charmed a sold-out Concert Hall with his soaring baritone. At City Recital Hall, alt-rock band Not Drowning, Waving reunited with Papua New Guinea’s George Telek for Tabaran; Emma Pask sung lush Latin jazz; and US' Chez Damier and Alton Miller helmed a noseats (and sweaty) club night with Detroit’s Music Institute. Perry Keyes, the celebrated bard of Redfern, took over ACO On The Pier for a cinematic presentation of his sixth LP. The Festival scoured Australia and the globe for the next big acts for audiences to obsess over, serving a stacked Future Frequencies lineup. Rising soul star Jalen Ngonda had us in a spell for two nights, Yaya Bey spun her
signature R&B, and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks & BARKAA unleashed post-punk rock and game-changing rap.
The gorgeous acoustics of ACO On The Pier hosted NoSax NoClar (France), Hak Baker (UK), JFDR (Iceland), GANNA with Tal Arditi (Germany), Ishmael Ensemble (UK) Parvyn (Australia) and more. This year’s classical program, Resonance, saw four of our most celebrated ensembles and solo artists — Australian Chamber Orchestra, Omega Ensemble, Bach Akademie Australia and Lotte Betts-Dean — respond to “birth, destiny and what we leave behind”.
And across 12 free evenings at Moonshine Bar, highlights included PEPTALK’s pop hooks, the improvisations of Reunion Island’s AURUS, and dancefloor fillers from Soul of Sydney and Freedom Sessions.
Rufus Wainwright, photo by Victor Frankowski
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Central to the Festival’s artistic vision is the transformation of both familiar and forgotten spaces, encouraging Sydneysiders to experience their city from new angles.
The Festival took theatregoers to court for the salacious A Model Murder trial — complete with songs, sequins and a judge plucked out from the stands. Dark Noon beckoned spectators to join church sermons, line dances and a bank hold-up, and the Wild West fantasy continued in Cowboy’s interactive saloon brawls and train robberies. KATMA got us off our feet with street dance styles and infectious energy. In the Colour Maze, children embarked on a creative art adventure.
Wendy Whiteley’s bohemian garden transformed into an immersive, open-air music experience to soak in the sounds of William Barton and Véronique Serret, NoSax NoClar, Joseph and James Tawadros, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ VOX and Chamber Singers, and Maharshi Raval.
Audiences set off on the audio walking tour Stories from Here in Bankstown and sampled a Taste of Spain at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre with culinary delights and live flamenco.
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, photo by Wendell Teodoro
The Whale, photo by Tashi Hall
BullyBully, photo by Wendell Teodoro
FOR THE FAMILY
Theatre works and interactive art inspired boundless creativity, wonder and belly-laughs from families across Sydney.
Children climbed, swung and got crafty in the Colour Maze, dreamed up by Amigo & Amigo. The high-flying antics of Sydney Trapeze School filled the skies of Darling Harbour with free Swing! shows — and some families took a leap of faith with trapeze lessons and circus skills workshops. In Branch Nebula’s Air Time, BMXers, skaters and parkourists reached extreme speeds and heights.
In Bondi, kids came face-to-face with The Whale, a majestic 10-metre creature brought to life by
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. In Parramatta and Sutherland, there were cheeky chickens, cowbells and a mechanical bull showdown in Animal
The Sydney Opera House came alive with the pop-up storybook world of Cinderella (Cendrillon), a royal treat for opera first-timers, while the Netherlands’ BullyBully at Riverside Theatres followed two childish grown-ups on a squabble odyssey.
Colour Maze, photo by Neil Bennett
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars, photo by Neil Bennett
AMPLIFYING GREATER SYDNEY
The summer of art came in hot across Greater Sydney, with events spanning Parramatta, Bankstown, Blacktown, Casula, Sutherland and Manly.
Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres and The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre
Sutherland welcomed intergenerational circus extravaganza Animal. Parramatta also hosted solo dance work Cowboy, gleeful toddler musical BullyBully and Rainbow Chan's vivid song cycle The Bridal Lament 哭嫁歌. At Parramatta Town Hall, award-winning Dance Makers Collective premiered their boundary-breaking dance celebration All In. The rain didn’t dampen spirits at Parramatta Parklands, which lit up with Sydney Symphony Under the Stars, featuring Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks finale.
The Festival expanded its presence in Bankstown with The Tamilization of Ahilan
Ratnamohan, a performance entirely in Tamil at Utp. As part of the audio walking tour Stories From Here, local artists revealed the often-hidden worlds of young people, while Bankstown Biennale’s third edition, Same Same/Different, held up late craft markets, clay workshops and performances.
There was plenty for kids (and kids at heart) at Hive Festival, which transformed The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre into a buzzing world of art and play. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre served up a feast for the senses with A Taste of Spain, a rich blend of live music, flamenco and culinary delights.
At Manly Art Gallery & Museum, audiences soaked up The Water Understands, a contemporary exhibition exploring the importance of water, as well as art-making, talks and live music at Art Up Late
“Malo ‘aupito (thank you very much) Olivia and Sydney Festival. What a tremendous opportunity to showcase Tongpop to Australia and the world. My duality of identities in full technicolour, celebrating a city that has given me so much, as did Sydney Festival with their support, organisation and gifting me an incredible team to work with and pull off such an audacious idea! What a ride, what a dream, Tongpop 4EVER.”
Telly Tuita, Artist TellyTuita: The Tā and Vā ofTongpop
“Creating a new opera is such a rare and special opportunity — we are thrilled we were able to share the mad and moving story of two German magicians who conquered the world!”
Constantine Costi, Director & Co-librettist and Luke Di Somma, Composer & Co-librettist
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera
"GHP productions have enjoyed many festival experiences in Australia. We were delighted and honoured to play Dark Noon at Sydney Festival. The venue’s colonial history juxtaposed with the show’s themes was perfect. The audiences and the Sydney Festival family welcomed us with open arms and that memory will last with us for a long time."
Glynis Henderson Productions Dark Noon
"It was the most amazing journey for both of us. We will keep all of it very dear in our hearts. Thank you so, so much for your hospitality, taking great care of us and the fun hangs!"
Ganna Gryniva, Artist GANNA with Tal Arditi
“Thank you, Sydney Festival, for the incredible opportunity to share Tina — ATropical Love Story with Sydney audiences. It’s been an unforgettable journey. The experience has been overwhelming in the best way possible… it was SIMPLY THE BEST!”
Ben Graetz, Artist Tina — ATropical Love Story
"Thank you so much once again for our Sydney Festival season, it was truly more than we could have hoped for. Such a buzzing, community energy in Sydney this year. What a premiere season, what a festival!"
Beth Raywood Cross, Producer The Chronicles
“A magical experience in Sydney! Thanks for an incredible sold out show at the Sydney Opera House last night with Folk Bitch Trio. And a huge thank you to the Sydney Festival team for making it happen.”
Rufus Wainwright, Artist
"Thank you for the incredible opportunity to be part of this season. I deeply appreciate the trust you placed in me and my team — it’s been an amazing journey. The season has been an overwhelming experience in the best way possible, and I’m still processing everything."
Azzam Mohamed, Concept, Lead Artist, Choreographer & Dancer
KATMA
ACCESS AND
FREE & ACCESSIBLE
Free and wallet-friendly events are essential to Sydney Festival’s programming, ensuring art remains accessible to everyone. January was buzzing with free installations, family fun and live music across Sydney.
Passersby were invited to write their hopes for the environment, which were woven into Cave Urban’s stunning — and sustainable — What We Leave Behind installation. The epic installations continued at the Festival’s harbourside home of Walsh Bay, which got a healthy dose of technicolour with Telly Tuita’s takeover. After dark, free music from some of our city’s favourite acts and DJs beckoned those looking for a good time to Moonshine Bar.
Further down the Mile at Barangaroo Reserve, the month-long Vigil: Gunyah program served up inspiration and a place to reflect, culminating in a stirring acoustic performance from hip-hop group 3% at Vigil: Truths. The Blak Out
program was rounded out by the free talk The Art of Architecture: First Nations Design at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Soundtracked by Joseph Tawadros’ lively oud rhythms, Sydney Symphony Under the Stars returned with free symphonic sounds and a fireworks finale. Families flocked to Bondi for the majestic installation The Whale and to Darling Harbour for twice-daily Swing! performances.
Arts lovers stayed up late with some of the city’s leading cultural institutions — including the Australian Museum’s bustling Peruvian Nights, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ extensive lineup including 1300, Dyan Tai and Sydney Chamber Opera, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s live tunes and harbour views, Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s art-making and talks, and Bankstown Arts Centre's celebration of stories and shared connections.
What We Leave Behind, photo by Victor Frankowski
INCLUSION
$49 A RESERVE TICKET OFFER
To celebrate 49 years of Sydney Festival, we were thrilled to introduce $49 Early Bird tickets for exceptional seats across most events in the program. This special offer commemorated the Festival’s anniversary while also acknowledging cost of living pressures.
With A Reserve and General Admission tickets up for grabs, audiences were rewarded for booking early and had an opportunity to see multiple shows in prime positions.
Cash Savage and The Last Drinks & BARKAA, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
21 Accessible performances
21 Events with access & inclusion programs
7 Artists who self-identify as living with disability
9 Relaxed performances
1 Captioned performance
6 Tactile tours 7 Audio described performances
4 Auslan interpreted performances
MULTIPLE BAD THINGS, photo by Victor Frankowski
ACCESS INITIATIVES
Sydney Festival welcomes all members of the community to experience and participate in live performance and art each January. We are committed to continually improving accessibility across the Festival, ensuring we include and represent our artists, audiences, staff, partners, donors, stakeholders and the community.
Since 2017, the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel has played an instrumental role in providing advice on access and inclusion matters, and we thank them for their valued contributions. As part of Sydney Festival’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Festival staff across various departments — including all event coordinators — participated in Disability Confidence Training by Accessible Arts.
In 2025, all Festival venues were wheelchair accessible. The program included six shows and exhibitions featuring both audio descriptions and tactile tours catering to patrons who are Blind or have low vision. Auslan interpretations were provided for four performances, including DOBBY: WARRANGU; River Story — the first ever rap event with Auslan interpretation at Sydney Festival. Converted! delivered a live captioned performance for Deaf and hard of hearing
audience members, and surtitles were available for all performances of Antigone in the Amazon and Cinderella (Cendrillon).
Relaxed performances and sessions were offered for seven events in the lineup, supporting visitors with disability, their families and anyone who might benefit from a more relaxed environment. Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) consulted on the creation of the relaxed sessions of Colour Maze, which were popular across all three weeks of the program.
In 2025, the Preview Guide was produced in a variety of formats, including MP4 and large print, and the website showcased a calendar of accessible events, and an access toggle with screen reader, text size, contract controls and other access functions. The Festival collaborated with the WheelEasy Access Information web app, and added 35 venues to the platform.
Sydney Festival was proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, with Sunflower merchandise available to collect at Moonshine Bar and Riverside Theatres, and information amplified on our social media channels.
DOBBY: WARRANGU; River Story, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
MARKETING
The 2025 brand continued to build on the foundation of the identity launched in 2022, created in collaboration with Re Agency (M&C Saatchi Group). The striking 3D ‘S’ shapes were transformed with textures inspired by key events and artists in the program, embodying the dynamic cultural essence of Sydney Festival. These designs included the vibrant “Tongpop” aesthetic of Visual Artist in Residence Telly Tuita, an intricate bamboo creation inspired by Cave Urban’s What We Leave Behind, a flowing design reflecting DOBBY’s ARIA Award-winning WARRANGU; River Story, and a tribute to the Festival’s music program, Future Frequencies. We extend our sincere thanks to Re for their visionary partnership in this creative journey and formation of our award-winning brand design. The Festival introduced a new $49 ticket offer to commemorate 49 years of Sydney Festival, with quality seats available across the season. The initiative was embraced by audiences and celebrated in the media for making our entire program more accessible.
The extensive marketing campaign ran for 148 days and delivered over 101 million impressions across an integrated campaign spanning broadcast, cinema, outdoor, online, print, radio, social media, street media, collateral and influencers. This was further enhanced by a range of media partnerships and community partnerships, as well as supported by a strong publicity campaign with a cumulative potential audience of 101 million. This generated 2.47 million website views from over half a million unique visitors.
A special thank you to our media partners for helping us deliver an impactful campaign: Signwave Newtown, Torch Media, GoTransit, ABC, Concrete Playground, Limelight Magazine, Star Observer and City Hub
2025 Opening Night Party, photo by Wendell Teodoro
CAMPAIGN IMPRESSIONS
101 million
WEBSITE VIEWS
2.47 million EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
108,000
SOCIAL MEDIA
154,700 Facebook followers
14,900 Linkedin followers
64,100 Instagram followers
2.7 million TikTok views
ICC signage, photo by Justin Cueno
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
@mmmargey
modern opera — on climate crisis, privilege and over-working.
@mmmargey
modern opera — on climate crisis, privilege and over-working.
@mmmargey
@mmmargey
modern opera — on climate crisis, privilege and over-working.
@mmmargey
modern opera — on climate crisis, privilege and over-working.
@mmmargey
PUBLICITY
The 2025 Sydney Festival captivated hearts and headlines alike, cementing its status as a fixture on Australia’s cultural calendar.
The Festival’s publicity campaign generated widespread media attention and strong audience engagement, successfully spotlighting a dynamic mix of Australian and international productions, world premieres, First Nations storytelling and exclusive global works. The $49 ticket initiative attracted significant media coverage and was a key highlight during the launch campaign.
The October Program Launch and Opening Day media calls drew strong press attendance, with news crews capturing defining Festival moments. Throughout the season, Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera and A Model Murder emerged as flagship productions, while DOBBY and Jacky from the Blak Out program also garnered extensive media attention. First Nations storytelling remained a key focus, generating significant interest across print, digital and broadcast platforms.
Site-specific performances and large-scale works in striking venues provided compelling visuals across
television, photography and digital media. The Thirsty Mile served as a central backdrop for TV coverage, while the SS John Oxley and Colour Maze offered vibrant focal points. Strategic partnerships with tourism bodies and local influencers further amplified reach, while the Festival’s inclusion in the NSW Government’s January announcement — extending licensing hours for Walsh Bay — reinforced its cultural significance.
Standout broadcast coverage included Program Launch and Opening Day stories on 9News, 7NEWS, ABC and SBS, alongside live weather crosses on Sunrise and the TODAY Show. Festival Director Olivia Ansell also conducted daily interviews on ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast and made TV appearances on ABC News Breakfast and Sky News.
Media engagement was strong, with 110 accredited guests from 52 outlets attending Festival events and 165 reviews published, underscoring the Festival’s cultural impact and widespread appeal.
JANUARY4,2025
Our thanks go to Common State for delivering an impactful campaign.
Beachshut amidfears offorever chemicals
EXCLUSIVE
CarrieFellner
A beachonSydneyAirport’sdoorstephasbeenquietlyclosedto swimmingandfishingduetofears itiscontaminatedwithcancercausing‘‘foreverchemicals’’.
However,familieswithyoung childrencontinuetosplashinthe wateralongsidetopracehorses, andthisweekfishermenwereseen castingtheirlinesintoTower Beach,ontheBotanyBay foreshore.
Somemembersofthepublicremainoblivioustothedangerbecausewarningsignserectedwithoutfanfaretwoyearsagohave beenplacedinscrubwherethey canbedifficulttospot.Signsdiscouragingpeoplefromfeedingthe birdsaredisplayedmoreprominentlyinthecarpark.
Overrecentmonths,Googlereviewershaveenthusedthatthe beachatKyeemaghis‘‘verygood’’ forfamiliesandpostedphotoso theirchildreninthewater.
Media Call, photo by Neil Bennett
Beachshut amidfears offorever chemicals
Somemembersofthepublicremainoblivioustothedangerbecausewarningsignserectedwithoutfanfaretwoyearsagohave beenplacedinscrubwherethey canbedifficulttospot.Signsdiscouragingpeoplefromfeedingthe birdsaredisplayedmoreprominentlyinthecarpark. Overrecentmonths,Googlereviewershaveenthusedthatthe beachatKyeemaghis‘‘verygood’’ forfamiliesandpostedphotosof theirchildreninthewater.
INSIDE
Sydneysidersandvisitors...tosee itthroughafreshlensthrough thought-provokingpublicartor liveperformanceinalocation ou’veneverheardoforknown about,’’shesaid. Thisisjustoneofthehighlights ofAnsell’sfourthandfinalSydney Festival,unveilinganambitious programfeaturingsomefamiliar enuesandthemesalongside plentyofnovelelements. Ansell,whowasappointed directoroftheannualeventin 2022,saidshebelievedshewas leavingSydneyFestivalingood shapeafteratenurethatwas initiallyovershadowedbythe COVIDpandemic. ‘‘Allofushaveworkedtogether collaborativelytorecoverthe performingartssectorfromthe pandemic,’’shesaid.‘‘We’ve aimedtoseethroughthat recoveryprocessandrestore
artists’livelihoods,togetbehind newAustralianworkandhelpget thatworkseenbyasmanypeople aspossible.’’ SydneyTownHallwillonce againbethevenueforapieceof immersivetheatre,afterthe successof SunandSea (2023)and SunshineSuperGirl (2021).Next year,theproductionwillbe Dark Noon fromDanishdirectorTue Biering.WithaSouthAfricancast, theplaypromisesto‘‘flipthescript ontheWildWest,envisioningUS historyasabsurd,horrifyingand deeplyprofound’’. Meanwhile,theWalshBayarts precinctwillfireupforasecond timeasthefestivalhubunderthe temporarymonikerTheThirsty Mile.Therewillbeadiverse offeringoffreemusicgigs, exhibitionsandtheatres,all againstthebackdropofWestern SydneyartistTellyTuita’s idiosyncraticandwildlycolourful ‘‘tongpop’’installations.Another highlight,previouslyannounced, willbe SiegfriedandRoy:The UnauthorisedOpera,tellingthe extraordinarystoryofthe legendaryLasVegasperformers. Earlierthisyear,itwas announcedthatAnsellhadbeen appointedartisticdirectorof Toronto’sLuminatoFestival.She willrelocatetoCanadaafterthe SydneyFestivalclosesonJanuary 26.Her2026replacementwillbe CanadianKrisNelson. Reflectingonherachievements inSydney,Ansellsaidshealways aimedtogivelocalsandvisitorsan experiencetomoveorchange them,‘‘orastoryaboutSydney thattheydidn’tknow’’. ‘‘Ihopethatwe’vebeenableto doalittlebitofthatforaudiences.’’ SydneyFestivalrunsJanuary4to26. Womendrivehourstogivebirth
EXCLUSIVE KateAubusson Healtheditor
A majorbirthinghospitalisrepeatedlyturningpregnantandlabouringwomenawayduetoacriticalshortageofmidwives,forcing sometotravelhundredsofkilometrestogivebirth. ThecriticalsituationatTamorthHospital,400kilometres north-westofSydney,couldleadto tragedy,doctorsandmidwives havewarned,amidfailedrecruitmentattemptsandhaemorrhagingofburnt-outstaff. Smallerhospitalsinitsrural surroundingssendpregnantwomentoTamworthwhentheyare higher-risk,orthehospitalsgoon ‘‘bypass’’,divertingpatientsdueto overcrowdingorunderstaffing. ButTamworthitselfspent14 daysonbypasssinceJune,includingafour-daystretchthismonth, sendingbirthingwomen–many alreadydivertedfromsmallerhospitals–toJohnHunterHospitalin Newcastle,fourhoursfurther fromtheirfamiliesandsupport. OndaysTamworthisnotonbypass,itcanstaffjust12ofits20 maternitybeds. ObstetricianandAustralianMedicalAssociationNSWpresidentDr
KathrynAustinsaidthepotential foravoidabledeathsofamotherand babywasarealconcern. ‘‘Tamworthisthehubofthatentireregionthatcanofferthathigherlevelofcare[including]support foroperatingtheatres,[special carenursery],allthethingsyou mayneedduringbirth.Whenthat goesonbypass,thesituationisabsolutelydire,’’Austinsaid. ‘‘Togetacallsayingthere’sa womanwhosebabyisindistress 300kilometresawayandnotbe abletoofferservicesisincredibly upsetting,’’shesaid. TamworthHospitalwasonbypasswhenIssieDewberrywent intolabourinJanuary2023.Her closesthospital,Narrabri,andArmidale,GunnedahandMoreehospitalscouldnotadmither. ‘‘Noonehadthestafftoletme haveababy,’’Dewberrysaid.‘‘We wereabouttobeflowntoJohn HunterHospital,whichsoundedextreme,whenweretoldInverellHospital[180kilometresnortheastof Narrabri]hadonespotavailable.’’ ButInverell’soneobstetrician wasabouttogoonleave.Dewberry wastoldshecouldbeinducedimmediatelyorhaveacaesareanin Newcastle. ‘‘Therewasnomedicalreasonto speedupmybirth...exceptthat
WhenIssieDewberrywentinto labourshewastoldshecouldnot givebirthatTamworthHospital.
thisdoctorwasgoingonholiday,’’ Dewberrysaid. Nowexpectinghersecondchild, Dewberrywillmove700kilometrestolivewithherparentson theSouthCoastandbirthatShoalhavenHospitalratherthanriska repeatofherexperience. LeonieGoldfinch,amidwifeand AssistantSecretaryoftheTamworthbranchoftheNSWNurses andMidwivesAssociation,said hercolleagueshadnowhereto turnastheytriedtokeeptheservicerunningwith40percentofthe stafftheyshouldhave.
‘‘WhenArmidaleHospital doesn’thaveanobstetricianoranaesthetist,orwhenMoree,NarrabriandGlenInnesaren’tfunctioning,alltheirwomencometo us,’’Goldfinchsaid. ‘‘Wedon’twanttosendourwomenawaybutwehavenochoice. Whenwedon’thavethestaff,it’s notsafeforwomentobirthhere.’’ NSWisfacinganationalshortfallofmidwives,abitterpaydisputeandachronicregionalworkforceshortagethatHealthMinisterRyanParkcalledthehealth system’s‘‘biggestchallenge’’. Thehealthdistricthasadvertisedrolesandlaunchedanoverseasrecruitmentdrive,whichresultedinonenewmidwifeandthree nursesforTamworth’smaternity service. Parksaidthestategovernment’s$20,000bonusformidwivesrelocatingtoregionaland remoteareaswouldhelpdrawpeopletoTamworth,butGoldfinch saiditwasnotworking,norwas the$10,000conditionalretention bonus. Queenslandoffersa$70,000 paymenttohealthworkerstotake aroleinruralorremotelocations. Ajuniormidwifenotauthorised tospeakpubliclydescribedworking20-hourdaysanddelivering
Photo: Rhett Wyman
“Boundary-pushing theatre of blazing urgency, this deconstructed allegory for our apocalyptic times is superlative programming for the 2025 festival, and an absolute must-see.”
AntigoneintheAmazon
Kate Prendergast, Time Out Sydney
“Siegfried & Roy is a remarkable breath of fresh air and a much-needed showcase for Australian talent. It’s the kind of ambitious, entertaining production the Australian arts scene should foster.”
Siegfried&Roy:TheUnauthorisedOpera
Chantal Nguyen, The Sydney Morning Herald
“This “immersive” experience — even down to having to go through police security scanners to get into the courthouse — is a triumph.”
AModel Murder
Helen Pitt, Limelight
“Katma brims over with a raw, euphoric authenticity that is infectious and culturally rich.”
KATMA
Chantal Nguyen, The Sydney Morning Herald
“The production seamlessly celebrates First Nations culture, with Graetz’s story of finding confidence and expression in drag beautifully intertwined with Tina Turner’s legacy.”
Tina — ATropical Love Story
Elizabeth Surbey, SydneyArts Guide
“Jacky is rumbling with an undercurrent of honesty and authenticity, this unassumingly clever and comedically raw drama will stay with you long after you drift out of the theatre.”
Jacky
Alannah Le Cross, Time Out Sydney
“There was something special about his presence, something weighty without being heavy, the kind of conduit for stories that London (and Sydney) needs.”
Hak Baker Ce Benedict, ABC
“Few artists wear their heart on their sleeve so honestly and spectacularly as Rufus Wainwright. And fewer still take the listener on an emotional rollercoaster ride of such operatic proportions.”
Rufus Wainwright Steve Moffatt, Limelight
“This is an incredible and thoughtful piece: physical theatre that does not comprise on its ability to also humour and entertain audiences.”
Dark Noon Gina Fairley, Limelight
“As an exemplar of socially-driven art, it set a high standard, not just for the Sydney Festival but for community-based storytelling projects everywhere.”
Stories From Here
Mia Shouha, Limelight
PARTNERS GOVERNMENT
Sydney Festival extends its deepest gratitude to our founding partners, the State Government through Create NSW and the City of Sydney. Their ongoing support enables us to deliver a world-class multiarts program while providing access to premiere cultural venues, including the awardwinning Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. In 2025, the NSW Government further enhanced the Festival experience by easing restrictions and extending trading hours. These special provisions, part of the state’s mission to “bring Sydney back to life”, highlight Walsh Bay’s potential as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading performing arts destinations.
We also acknowledge the vital partnership with Destination NSW, a long-standing investor in the Festival. In 2025, Destination NSW supported five Sydney-exclusive events: A Model Murder, Colour Maze, Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, The Chronicles and Animal in Parramatta. Through its extensive marketing reach, Destination NSW played a pivotal role in attracting audiences from across Australia and beyond, reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination each January.
Sydney Festival was proud to once again collaborate with Placemaking NSW, bringing engaging and thought-provoking works to key public spaces. This included Swing! Circus at Darling Harbour, Vigil: Truths and Vigil: Gunyah at Barangaroo Reserve and What We Leave Behind on Tallawoladah Lawn.
Our commitment to Western Sydney remains a cornerstone of the Festival’s programming, made possible through the valued support of the City of Parramatta. The 2025 Festival featured standout productions such as Animal by Cirque Alfonse at Riverside Theatres, and the much-loved Sydney Symphony Under the Stars, which returned to The Crescent.
These events were made possible through our partnerships with Greater Sydney Parklands and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, bringing world-class arts experiences to Western Sydney audiences.
SPONSORS CORPORATE
The Thirsty Mile transformed Walsh Bay Arts Precinct into a vibrant hub, featuring theatres, bars, an exhibition space and 12 nights of free live music at the Moonshine Bar. A new addition was the Bone Dry Balcony — an intimate spot for special events, wine tastings and exclusive gatherings with sweeping harbour views. Patrons across The Thirsty Mile enjoyed premium beverages from Reschke, Bone Dry, The Grifter Brewing Co. and Archie Rose.
Beyond Walsh Bay, Sydney Festival expanded its hospitality footprint across the city. Doltone House delivered a premium bar experience at Sydney Town Hall ahead of Dark Noon, while Archie Rose elevated the immersive experience of A Model Murder at Darlinghurst Courthouse with its signature craft spirits.
This year, Zero Payments joined the Festival for the first time and their seamless system enhanced the customer experience by reducing wait times and ensuring smooth, efficient service, allowing patrons to immerse themselves fully in the Festival atmosphere.
Sydney Festival partnered with Business Sydney to co-host our program launch, bringing together leaders from across the business community to celebrate the city’s premiere summer arts event. This collaboration reinforced the Festival’s connection to Sydney’s corporate and cultural
landscape, fostering new opportunities forz engagement and support.
We are grateful for the creative expertise of Re Agency, which evolved our Festival brand with a fresh, captivating look for 2025 across print, outdoor, motion assets, website and TVCs. Our media sponsors, including ABC Radio Sydney, Double J, TorchMedia, ICC Sydney, Concrete Playground, GoTransit, Signwave Newtown, Limelight Magazine, Star Observer and City Hub, played a key role in amplifying the Festival’s reach.
Sydney Festival thrives through the support of a diverse array of production sponsors, who play a critical role in bringing the Festival to life. We extend special thanks to TDC, Chameleon Touring Systems, Chandeliers to Die For and SafetyCulture. Our artists and crew were generously accommodated by our accommodation partner, Accor.
We also acknowledge our Festival lawyers Maddocks, our research partners Lonergan Research and RDA Research, and our valued partners including BDO, HelloRide, Wilson Parking, Business Western Sydney, Australian British Chamber of Commerce, Committee for Sydney, CloudWave, Ogilvy, Kawai, Artbank Australia and all our venue partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of Sydney Festival.
FESTIVAL FEASTS
Marking 25 years of exceptional dining, the Festival Feasts program continues to be a standout feature of the Festival experience, inviting audiences to explore Sydney’s vibrant culinary scene. More than just a dining program, this longstanding initiative introduces festivalgoers to some of the city’s finest restaurants, creating memorable experiences while driving new business and valuable exposure for our esteemed partners across Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta.
Thank you to our 2025 restaurant partners: Beast&Co, Cafe Sydney, Georgie Wine Bar, Jounieh, LILYMU, Lotus Dumpling Bar, Lotus the Galeries, Pearl Dining, PIER BAR, Planar and The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney.
PHILANTHROPY
"On behalf of everyone involved with our beloved Sydney Festival, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Olivia for her incredible leadership and vision over the years. Your impact will remain with us forever. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the incredibly talented and hardworking Festival team for delivering an outstanding and highly successful season again this year.
The Sydney Festival, set in the world’s greatest city, has consistently showcased exceptional talent from both local and international artists. I know I speak for all when I say we eagerly look forward to seeing what Kris Nelson has in store for us in 2026!"
PETER FREEDMAN AM
Olivia Ansell and Roslyn Packer AC
Photo supplied
PHILANTHROPY
Robbie Nicol and Kevin Isherwood
Rhae Hooper, Olivia Ansell, Chris Shaw
Tom Hayward, Luke Di Somma, Kanen Breen, Fiona Martin-Weber, Christopher Tonkin, Constantine Costi
Tom Hayward and Lucinda Aboud
Kanen Breen, Jacqui Scheinberg, Christopher Tonkin
All photos by Wendell Teodoro
John Barrer and Luke Di Somma
Kanen Breen, The Hon Ashley Dawson-Damer AM, Rebel Penfold Russell OAM, Christopher Tonkin
GOVERNMENT
HOUSE ARTIST RECEPTION
Dennis Wilson, Kate Dundas, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC , Olivia Ansell, Kris Nelson
Andrew Cameron AM, Constantine Costi, Cathy Cameron, Luke Di Somma
Elena Kats-Chernin AO, Penelope Seidler AM, Raymond Camillire, Ray Wilson OAM Jonathan and Judith Casson
Stephanie Lake Company
"Congratulations on a sparkling Festival and the beautiful farewell finale. So many productions, memories, tenacious endeavours. Farewell to lovely, lively Olivia and welcome Kris to Aussie kulture!"
Our sincere thanks to Principal Philanthropic Supporter Peter Freedman AM and all our private donors, whose generosity played a vital role in the Festival’s success.
Visit sydneyfestival.org.au/philanthropy or contact Sydney Festival Philanthropy on (02) 8248 6507 or philanthropy@sydneyfestival.org.au for further details.
Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM
All photos by Wendell Teodoro
Tim Chappel and Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM
Andrew Cameron AM, Charles Hayward, Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM, Tom Hayward, Ian Low, Penelope Seidler AM, Andrew Love
Chris Shaw and Alain Carabinier from Cirque Alfonse
VOLUNTEERS
Sydney Festival extends a heartfelt thank you to the 179 extraordinary volunteers who dedicated their time, expertise and boundless enthusiasm throughout January. Our volunteers contributed 2,429 hours across 905 shifts over 23 days, greeting patrons, offering directions, answering queries and providing operational support across venues. Some members of the team have volunteered with us for more than 21 years.
Among the volunteers surveyed, 51% identified as being from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background and more than 20% identified as LGBTQIA+.
A special shoutout to the wonderful volunteers who were central to the seamless running — and hands-on fun — of the Colour Maze, guiding kids aged 2—12 through the vibrant art experience.
All of our volunteers play a vital role in bringing the Festival to life each year, and their generous contributions helped make the 2025 program a stirring success.
“Thank you to the coordinators for a very enjoyable, well-managed and organised festival. It was great to be a part of it.”
— Sydney Festival 2025 volunteer
Volunteers, photo by Jacquie Manning
Sydneysiders had the opportunity to dig deeper into the program and sharpen their own performance skills through Festival workshops and talks.
Sydney Trapeze School indulged our dreams of running away to the circus with Circus Skills Workshops and Outdoor Flying Trapeze Classes. In the Colour Maze, we saluted the sun in soldout Sunrise Yoga sessions. KATMA’s
Azzam Mohamed led two dynamic dance workshops, AFTERWORLD’s Sue Healey and Laurence Pike fronted a Moving Sound Masterclass and Stephanie Lake and her company taught dancers exciting repertoire from The Chronicles.
Vigil: Gunyah brought First Nations peoples, communities and allies to Barangaroo Reserve for uplifting workshops centred around dance,
WORKSHOPS AND TALKS COMMUNITY
weaving and meditation, as well as talks curated by radio broadcaster Rudi Bremer. Plant a Promise’s Henrietta Baird teamed up with the Royal Botanic Gardens for a native grass planting workshop, while Gardening Australia’s Clarence Slockee hosted a talk unpacking the show’s themes.
Some of many talks highlights included investigative reporter Kate McClymont examining unusual Sydney trials, filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron discussing deep-sea expeditions, iconic artists William Yang and Rainbow Chan in conversation, and three contemporary artists joining forces for CURRENTS: The Water Understands Panel Discussion.
Street Dance Workshop, photo by Wendell Teodoro
Vigil: Truths, photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
4—26 JAN